Literature Reviews - 2025

Book Review: Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings by Margarita Engle

Introduction

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings is a memoir-in-verse by Margarita Engle, published in 2015. This award-winning book recounts Engle’s childhood experiences growing up as a Cuban-American during the Cold War, navigating the tension between her two homelands: the United States, where she was born and raised, and Cuba, the land of her mother’s family.

Written in poetic form, Enchanted Air captures themes of cultural identity, immigration, political conflict, and the power of words. The book has received critical acclaim, winning the Pura Belpré Author Award and being named a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist.

Plot Summary

Engle tells the story of her early years in Los Angeles, where she feels like an outsider, longing for the summers she spends in Cuba with her relatives. To her, Cuba is a magical place filled with beauty, nature, and deep familial connections—an escape from the loneliness she feels in the United States.

However, as political tensions between the U.S. and Cuba escalate during the Cold War, Engle’s visits to her beloved island become impossible. The Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis transform Cuba from a place of comfort into an untouchable dream, and Engle finds herself caught between two countries that are now enemies.

Through her journey, she turns to poetry and literature as a way to cope with the growing division between her two worlds. Words become her refuge as she struggles to reconcile her dual identity and the fear, confusion, and longing brought on by international conflict.

Strengths of the Novel

1. Poetic and Lyrical Writing

Engle’s memoir is written in free verse, giving it a dreamlike and emotional quality. The short yet powerful poems allow readers to experience her memories, emotions, and struggles in an intimate way. Her language is rich with imagery, capturing both the lush landscapes of Cuba and the cold, isolating streets of Los Angeles.

Her descriptions of nature are particularly striking, painting vivid scenes of Cuban forests, horses, and ocean waves that contrast sharply with the industrial feel of the U.S.

2. A Personal and Unique Perspective on the Cold War

Most historical accounts of the Cold War focus on political leaders and military events, but Enchanted Air provides a deeply personal perspective. Engle presents history through the eyes of a child, showing how global conflicts affected the lives of everyday people—especially immigrants and those with ties to Cuba.

She raises thought-provoking questions: How can someone be loyal to two countries that hate each other? What happens when politics destroy personal relationships? These dilemmas make the book an excellent resource for discussing historical conflicts in a way that feels real and immediate.

3. Exploration of Identity and Cultural Duality

One of the book’s central themes is bicultural identity. Engle feels torn between two homes, never fully belonging to one or the other. Her love for Cuba is strong, but in the U.S., she faces discrimination and misunderstanding about her Cuban heritage.

This struggle resonates with many immigrants and children of immigrants, making Enchanted Air a deeply relatable read. The memoir highlights how complex it is to grow up between cultures, especially when geopolitical forces try to erase or invalidate parts of one’s identity.

4. The Role of Literature and Creativity

Engle’s love of words plays a significant role in her journey. As a child, she finds solace in books and poetry, using them as tools to process her emotions and make sense of the world. Her rebellious spirit—refusing to accept teachers' misconceptions about Cuba and standing up for her own experiences—demonstrates the power of storytelling in shaping identity.

This aspect of the memoir makes it a great inspiration for young readers, encouraging them to use writing as a means of self-expression.

5. Historical and Educational Value

The book introduces important historical events such as the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and U.S.-Cuba relations, but in a way that feels deeply personal rather than just academic. Engle also includes a timeline at the end of the book, helping readers contextualize the events that shaped her childhood.

For educators, Enchanted Air serves as a valuable teaching tool, blending personal memoir with history, immigration studies, and discussions about the impact of war on families.

Criticisms of the Novel

1. Non-Traditional Narrative Structure

Since the book is written in verse rather than prose, some readers might struggle with the lack of a traditional plot structure. The story is told in fragments, capturing emotions and memories rather than following a strict chronological order. While this adds to the poetic beauty, some readers may prefer a more linear narrative.

2. Some Aspects of Her Life Are Briefly Explored

Given the book’s poetic style and relatively short length, some elements of Engle’s childhood—such as her father’s Ukrainian background or her experiences in school—are not explored in as much depth as readers might expect. Those looking for a highly detailed, event-driven memoir may find some parts of the story too brief or open-ended.

3. Emotional but Lacks Conflict-Driven Tension

The memoir is deeply reflective and lyrical, but it does not have the same kind of tension as a traditional novel. While the emotional struggles are clear, some readers may feel that the lack of major dramatic moments makes the book feel more like a collection of memories rather than a structured story with a climactic resolution.

Final Verdict

Enchanted Air is a beautifully written, deeply moving memoir that captures the complexities of bicultural identity, the pain of exile, and the healing power of words. Margarita Engle’s poetic style creates an immersive reading experience, allowing readers to feel her emotions as she navigates childhood in the shadow of political conflict.

While the free-verse structure may not appeal to everyone, the book’s historical importance, emotional depth, and personal authenticity make it an essential read—especially for young readers learning about immigration, identity, and Cold War history.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Middle-grade and young adult readers interested in memoirs and historical fiction.
• Educators and students studying immigration, the Cold War, or Latin American history.
• Children of immigrants or bicultural readers who relate to the struggle of balancing two identities.
• Poetry lovers who appreciate lyrical storytelling.

Who Might Struggle with This Book?

• Readers who prefer straightforward, chronological storytelling over poetic verse.
• Those expecting a dramatic, high-conflict narrative rather than a reflective memoir.
• Readers unfamiliar with free verse who may find the structure unconventional.

Conclusion

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings is a stunning, heartfelt memoir that captures the joy, pain, and complexity of growing up between two worlds. Margarita Engle’s poetic storytelling makes history come alive in an intimate and personal way, offering readers a powerful exploration of identity, exile, and belonging. Whether you’re a young reader, a teacher, or simply someone who appreciates beautifully crafted literature, this book is a must-read.